Post by wvdexters on Dec 2, 2012 11:37:28 GMT -5
My opinion on polled dexters is very simple. I have no problem or issue with those of us who love and breed polled cattle. My personal preference is horned. I like the traditional dexter, there is no reason to restate this description and breed guidelines, everyone knows them, I learned it from the ADCA pages.
Now, polled dexters are very new. They have not been around long. By definition they do not fall into the description of a traditional dexter. They do not meet the breed guidelines as a horned breed. These are simply the facts.
The horned genes could only have entered the dexter gene pool one of two ways.
1. Spontaneous genetic change. A genetic mistake. A spontaneous broken gene. The damaged gene affected the animal's horns. The new genetic code was passed to offspring and into future generations.
2. Out crossing. The polled gene was "introduced" into the dexter gene pool from outside sources and bred into the dexter gene pool.
Either way it happened (the debate goes on) IT DID happen. The search for the truth is still going on. Now we are here. Whether you believe genetic defect, or out crossing.
Polled dexters are popular and have a large following. I believe they are here to stay. They do not meet the breed guidelines but they are registered every day. The Registries have fully accepted this new dexter.
I do not find it unreasonable that some breeders want to "protect" the dexter gene pool from this new gene. I find it perfectly reasonable even admirable that they work to "save" the old lines and perpetuate these dexters. (Dexters free of "upgrades" OR "genetic mistakes resulting in hornless animals") Dexters that are reminiscent of the dexters from our past, genetically as close to the earliest dexters as we have. The foundations of the breed we ALL love. Unfortunately these numbers are dwindling. If you own animals that fall into this category consider making breeding decisions that will help the cause. I believe it would be a huge loss for everyone if these lines were lost forever. And remember once they are lost they can never ever be restored. We only have one shot at this and the window is closing.
If you own and love polled dexters love and enjoy them.
If you own and love horned dexters love and enjoy them.
I believe these groups can survive very well within the Dexter Registry. Wherever you fall on this issue. Far Left, Far Right, or somewhere in the middle.
Now, polled dexters are very new. They have not been around long. By definition they do not fall into the description of a traditional dexter. They do not meet the breed guidelines as a horned breed. These are simply the facts.
The horned genes could only have entered the dexter gene pool one of two ways.
1. Spontaneous genetic change. A genetic mistake. A spontaneous broken gene. The damaged gene affected the animal's horns. The new genetic code was passed to offspring and into future generations.
2. Out crossing. The polled gene was "introduced" into the dexter gene pool from outside sources and bred into the dexter gene pool.
Either way it happened (the debate goes on) IT DID happen. The search for the truth is still going on. Now we are here. Whether you believe genetic defect, or out crossing.
Polled dexters are popular and have a large following. I believe they are here to stay. They do not meet the breed guidelines but they are registered every day. The Registries have fully accepted this new dexter.
I do not find it unreasonable that some breeders want to "protect" the dexter gene pool from this new gene. I find it perfectly reasonable even admirable that they work to "save" the old lines and perpetuate these dexters. (Dexters free of "upgrades" OR "genetic mistakes resulting in hornless animals") Dexters that are reminiscent of the dexters from our past, genetically as close to the earliest dexters as we have. The foundations of the breed we ALL love. Unfortunately these numbers are dwindling. If you own animals that fall into this category consider making breeding decisions that will help the cause. I believe it would be a huge loss for everyone if these lines were lost forever. And remember once they are lost they can never ever be restored. We only have one shot at this and the window is closing.
If you own and love polled dexters love and enjoy them.
If you own and love horned dexters love and enjoy them.
I believe these groups can survive very well within the Dexter Registry. Wherever you fall on this issue. Far Left, Far Right, or somewhere in the middle.